Bismarck, North Dakota — On a recent legislative day, Governor Kelly Armstrong signed a pivotal bill that broadened the scope of North Dakota’s Cottage Foods Act, allowing for a significant expansion of home-based food businesses, including those run by military spouses. The newly revised law, which includes an emergency clause ensuring its immediate enactment, now permits these entrepreneurs to market and ship their products across state lines and via online platforms.
Previously, North Dakota counted among the minority of states that restricted interstate commerce for cottage food operations, tying the hands of home-based entrepreneurs who sought broader markets for their homemade goods. This posed particular challenges for military spouses at Minot Air Force Base, who face frequent relocations and often seek stable, portable careers that can move with them. Under the new regulations, these individuals can now maintain continuity and growth in their business endeavors, irrespective of their geographical location.
Jenetta Sawyer, a military spouse stationed at Minot AFB and a home-based baker, became a leading voice in lobbying for the amendments following her move to Minot in 2024. Sawyer, who has operated her bakery across different states, understood firsthand the limitations imposed by the previous state laws on her business’s growth and sustainability. She highlighted the need for change, emphasizing the critical support system that cottage enterprises provide to families frequently on the move.
The push for this legislative change drew significant support following Sawyer’s collaboration with Brekka Kramer, CEO and President of the Minot Area Chamber Economic Development Corporation. Through grassroots efforts, they were able to spotlight the unique challenges faced by military families, compelling state legislators to act in favor of the amendments.
The move to adjust the Cottage Foods Law has been hailed as a victory not just for military spouses but for all small-scale food producers across the state who aim to extend their businesses beyond North Dakota’s borders. "This law isn’t only for us at the Air Force base. It benefits all small business entrepreneurs in North Dakota who are looking to reach customers out of state," stated Kramer in a discussion about the law’s broader impact.
According to the Air & Space Force Association, the unemployment rate among military spouses is around 24%, significantly higher than the national average. The flexibility offered by the revised Cottage Foods Act represents a lifeline for these individuals, helping alleviate some of the employment challenges faced due to the transient nature of military life.
Reflecting on the law’s significance, Kramer added, "Knowing that the community cares and actively provides support can make all the difference. It’s about ensuring every small victory is recognized, and everyone knows that their contributions are valued. Here in Minot, we ensure that no one has to tackle these challenges alone."
North Dakota’s initiative to revise its Cottage Foods Act underscores a growing recognition of the economic and personal benefits of supporting home-based and small businesses, particularly those managed by families of service members. This legislative change marks a promising step towards greater economic inclusivity and mobility for small entrepreneurs across the state.
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